Two years ago I carried four wedges yet still found myself in “no-man’s-land” on half the par-4s at my home course. A fitter asked my yardage gap between pitching wedge and sand wedge. I shrugged. He handed me an approach wedge—sometimes called a gap wedge—and said, “Swing smooth.” The shot flew the perfect in-between number, landed softly, and my wedge game hasn’t looked back. If you’re unsure what an approach wedge is or which loft to choose, this guide breaks down everything in simple terms.
What Is an Approach Wedge?
An approach wedge (AW) sits between your pitching wedge (PW) and sand wedge (SW). Its main job is to fill the distance “gap” of 10–15 yards that many golfers see when they move from full-swing irons to specialty wedges.
- Other names: gap wedge, attacking wedge, utility wedge.
- Typical loft: 48–54 degrees, depending on your iron set.
- Average full-swing distance: 80–120 yards for most amateurs.
Where It Fits in the Wedge Family
| Wedge | Common Loft Range | Main Use |
|---|---|---|
| Pitching Wedge | 43–47° | Full shots, knock-downs |
| Approach (Gap) | 48–54° | Three-quarter swings, partial chips |
| Sand Wedge | 54–58° | Bunker play, mid-range flop |
| Lob Wedge | 58–64° | High soft shots, short-sided trouble |
Why Loft Gapping Matters
Modern iron sets keep strengthening lofts—many new 9-irons are the same loft Grandpa played in a pitching wedge. That leaves huge holes unless you add a specialty wedge.
Example Distance Gaps (85 mph 7-iron swing speed)
| Club | Loft | Carry (yd) | Gap to Next Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9-Iron | 38° | 135 | — |
| Pitching Wedge | 44° | 120 | 15 |
| Approach Wedge | 50° | 105 | 15 |
| Sand Wedge | 56° | 90 | 15 |
| Lob Wedge | 60° | 75 | 15 |
Without the 50° club, you’d face an awkward 30-yard gap between PW and SW—too big to swing easy, too small to muscle hard.
How to Pick the Right Approach Wedge Loft
- Check Your PW Loft. Look on the clubhead or manufacturer spec sheet.
- Add 4–6 Degrees. Keep 4–6° of loft between each wedge for even gaps.
- Test on a Launch Monitor. Verify carry yardages—every golfer’s delivery is different.
- Select Bounce for Turf. Soft, fluffy lies prefer higher bounce (10–12°); tight links turf likes lower bounce (6–8°).
Full-Swing vs. Scoring Swing
- Full-Swing: Think of the AW as a hard-stop yardage—your “stock” number.
- Three-Quarter: Grip down an inch and swing 75 %. Expect ~10 yards less.
- Half-Swing: Belt-to-belt swing; subtract ~20 yards from full distance.
Write these three yardages on masking tape and stick it to your wedge shaft—instant cheat sheet.
Quick Drill: 50-60-70 Ladder
- Drop 9 balls at 100 yards.
- Hit three at 50 % power, three at 60 %, three at 70 %.
- Chart carry distances and rollout.
Most players discover their scoring yardages within one session and gain huge confidence inside 120 yards.
Pros & Cons of Carrying an Approach Wedge
- Pros
- Eliminates awkward half-swings with PW or SW.
- Adds a versatile chipping club—medium loft, plenty of spin.
- Smooth gapping improves distance control and lowers scores.
- Cons
- Takes a slot—may force you to drop a long iron or fairway wood.
- Multiple wedges need practice to memorize yardages.
When to Hit Your Approach Wedge
- 100 Yards and In. Trust the full swing versus a flighted PW.
- “One-Hop-Stop” Chips. Back-pin chips that need quick check, less rollout than PW.
- Bunker Shots 30–50 Yards. Flatter face generates lower, spinning explosion when SW flies too high.
- Wind Into Your Face. Knock-down AW keeps trajectory below tree line.
Spin & Launch Numbers (TrackMan Averages)
| Club | Launch ° | Spin rpm |
|---|---|---|
| Pitching Wedge | 29 | 8,500 |
| Approach Wedge | 33 | 9,200 |
| Sand Wedge | 37 | 10,400 |
The AW’s mid-launch, mid-spin window explains why it’s perfect for controlled flight and bite.
Buying Tips
- Match shaft weight to your other wedges; too light changes feel.
- Opt for the same finish (chrome, raw, black) for consistent glare and rusting characteristics.
- If you play game-improvement irons, consider set-matching AW for forgiveness; blade-style irons pair well with specialty wedges.
- Grip size—use the same as rest of set to keep grip pressure equal.
Cost Comparison (Popular 2025 Models)
| Brand & Model | Loft Options | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Titleist Vokey SM10 | 48°, 50°, 52° | $189 |
| Callaway Jaws Raw | 50°, 52° | $179 |
| TaylorMade MG4 | 48°, 50°, 52° | $179 |
| Cleveland CBX Full-Face2 | 50°, 52° | $159 |
| Sub 70 286 | 48°, 50°, 52° | $129 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “A” on my club an approach wedge?
Yes—manufacturers sometimes stamp “A” or “G” instead of the loft.
Can’t I just open or close another wedge?
You can, but altering face angle changes bounce and lowers consistency. Dedicated lofts work better.
How many wedges should I carry?
Most amateurs perform best with four wedges: PW, AW, SW, LW—4–6° apart.
Do I need special shafts?
Use the same flex family as your irons, but many choose wedges in wedge flex (slightly softer tip) for feel.
What about bounce and grind?
For an all-purpose approach wedge, 8–10° bounce and a medium grind fit most turf. Steep diggers may need more bounce.
Information here is for educational purposes and is not medical advice.
Conclusion
A smartly lofted approach wedge plugs the scoring gap, gives you a versatile chipping option, and removes “in-between” stress on the course. Check your pitching wedge loft, add a wedge 4–6 degrees higher, and practice three stock yardages. You’ll watch flags get closer—and scores fall. Let us know your thoughts on Approach Wedge 101.